Flu vaccination clinic scheduled

Clinic will be held locally on Nov. 18

The best protection against the flu is to get a flu vaccination each year. Last flu season, Coconino County experienced its highest level of flu activity in at least four years. Coconino County Health Department (CCHD) officials are encouraging residents to make an appointment to get a flu shot with their health care provider or at a CCHD clinic.

To make an appointment for a flu shot, call the CCHD at (928) 679-7300 or toll free at (877) 679-7272.

The CCHD will be at the Grand Canyon 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Recreation Center. The CCHD Clinic will also offer flu shots at regularly scheduled clinics on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. at the Coconino County Health and Community Services Building, 2625 N. King St., Flagstaff.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends that all children (6 months through 18 years of age) get a flu shot. No one will be denied service due to inability to pay.

The normal cost for a flu shot is $25. Pneumonia vaccinations will be available for a cost of $30. Pneumonia vaccinations are recommended for individuals age 65 and older and for some high-risk groups. Last winter, the number of cases of severe pneumococcal disease, which can be prevented with the pneumonia vaccine, was higher than any of the previous four years.

Additional community clinics are scheduled. Check the CCHD Web site at www.coconino.az.gov/health for additional clinic information or call (928) 679-7300 for details.

Flu vaccinations are recommended for over 73 percent of the population. In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu should get vaccinated. However, certain people should get vaccinated each year either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for high-risk prsons.

Those considered at high risk for serious flu complications are the elderly, young children, and people with certain health conditions. Pneumonia vaccinations are also strongly encouraged for people over age 65 or who have chronic illnesses.

For more information, call the CCHD at (928) 679-7300 or toll-free (877) 679-7272.

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